REVIEW: Jackson Gnarvana v. Pyranha Scorch

by | Jun 7, 2023 | Gear

Side by side, the Medium Gnarvana and Scorch hulls look very similar dimensionally, though there are some subtle differences that uniquely affect each boat’s performance. The biggest similarity between the boats appears to be their ample bow and stern rocker. When sitting next to each other, it is hard to spot any difference between the hull shapes. However, the biggest difference between the two boats is their widths. The Gnar is a whole 3 inches wider than the Scorch at their widest points, and it carries that width from the cockpit up through the bow. The difference in width lends itself to the biggest difference in performance between these two boats. The wider Gnar is significantly more stable in both primary and secondary stability than the Scorch. The edges on both boats are aggressive but the Gnar’s edges stop about a foot short of the end of the stern, whereas the Scorch’s run all the way to the end. This detail seems to release the stern of the Gnar a bit easier than the Scorch and allows for changing your line with less effort. Both boats are very fast, and it was hard to say which was faster, but I’d like to think the Scorch might have a slight edge. The volume of the two designs differ quite a bit, with the Gnar displacing a whole 9 more gallons than the Scorch. It looks like this was achieved by raising the height of the bow and stern decks on the top of the Gnar, where the deck of the Scorch is more sleek and tapered. This gives a little bit more confidence in the Gnar’s ability to pound through and stay on top of bigger water over the sportier and snappier Scorch. 

Overall, they are two great designs that are more alike than they are different, but you will have to try them both to see which style fits you best!

-RMA Team Athlete Heath Bradley 

All Sizes Currently in Stock for purchase and demo! Shop online at: www.rmapaddlegear.com or stop in Today.

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